Kings were at home to the Express on Friday night and with both teams with a slightly depleted line-up lost a 3-0 decision.
In addition to the loss of Richardson, Ripley and Imoo to Canada West, Waugh, Coleshaw, Parker, Dupont and Scarth were also on the shelf.
Coquitlam also had three players that made Canada West including Richardson's linemates Kerfoot and Morely.
Kings started the game with a lot of energy but a powerplay goal by Philip Zielonka at 4:23 put them in a momentary stall.
They recouped however, and for much of the period had the Express on their heels with a good forecheck.
Kings were really buzzing late in the opening period and rewarded when the puck was bouncing around off the boards, bodies and finally put in the net – but called off with James Neil in the crease.
Down 1-0 Kings worked hard in the first half of the second to tie but suffered a setback on a missed check and an odd man rush that resulted in a second Express goal at 9:50.
Later in the period, Brian Rideout got tangled up with a player who went down awkwardly into the boards. Nardy came in to take on Rideout (there was no penalty being called) and both went off for fighting.
Rideout didn't appear to challenge anyone but had to defend himself against the instigator of the fight for which there was no call.
Kings played just as hard in the third as they did in the first two periods but couldn't turn anything into a goal and when they pulled Ostepchuk with just over 2 minutes to go, allowed the third Express goal into an empty net.
Kings worked hard enough to win but weren't able to turn their chances into goals. They thanked the fans after the game and got a good round of applause in return for an honest effort.
Next up is Cowichan who upset Victoria 3-1 tonight and then on to Alberni Sunday.
Ron Armitage Mens Wear Three Stars:
1. Cole Huggins
2. Philip Zielonka
3. John Siemer
